Théâtre de la Gaîté, Historic theater in central Brussels, Belgium.
The Théâtre de la Gaîté is an eclectic former theatre-concert at 18 rue du Fossé aux Loups, built in 1911–1912 to plans by Auguste Evrard. Its white, asymmetrical four-bay facade rises through ground floor, mezzanine, three storeys and an attic. A basket-handle arch frames the entrance, above which a light-blue frieze reads "Théâtre / Fondé par Berryer en MCMXI / Concert"; a gilded mascaron with garlands crowns the broken pediment, and the name GAITE appears in gold letters.
The building was designed and constructed by architect Auguste Evrard in 1911 for developer Léo Berryer. During German occupation in World War I, the theater did not remain closed for long and reopened as early as October 1914.
The theater served as a destination for light entertainment, hosting operettas, comedies, and revues performed by artists such as Jean Noben and Yetta Ferra. It functioned as a social gathering place where audiences shared evenings together in the heart of the city.
The entrance is within walking distance of De Brouckère metro station, making it easy to reach by public transport. The building has been protected as a monument since March 1998, which may affect visiting arrangements.
The basement housed a cabaret that became the famous nightclub 'Chez Paul au Gaity' before being transformed into a disco during the 1980s. This underground space was a popular destination separate from the main theater experience.
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